Product Description

Current attitudes toward drug misuse in the media, government and even treatment centres, often exaggerate the pharmacological power of drugs. Their coercive influence is widely believed to be so great that to experiment with a drug is tantamount to addiction. Davies argues that such beliefs are largely inaccurate and harmful. Research shows that explanations for drug use vary according to circumstances. Drug users may explain that they have lost their willpower and capacity for personal decision-making, because this is the explanation expected of them, but most actually use drugs because they want to and because they see no good reason for giving them up. Addicted behaviour is therefore a form of learned helplessness, not an effect caused by narcotic intake.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #70261 in Books
• Published on: 1997-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

From the Back Cover
In this second edition of his groundbreaking work, John Booth Davies expands and updates his highly acclaimed study of the true reasons for drug use.
Current attitudes towards drug misuse in the media, government and even treatment centres, often exaggerate the pharmacological power of drugs. Their coercive influence is widely believed to be so great that to experiment with a drug is tantamount to addiction.
Davies argues that such beliefs are largely inaccurate and harmful. Research shows that explanations for drug use vary according to circumstances. Drug users may explain that they have lost their willpower and capacity for personal decision-making, because this is the explanation expected of them, but most actually use drugs because they want to and because they see no good reason for giving them up. Addicted behaviour is therefore a form of learned helplessness, not an effect caused by narcotic intake.

About the Author
John Booth Davies, University of Strathclyde, UK

Customer Reviews

A classic book on drug theory and drug policy
Simply one of the most refreshing and illuminating books I have read in the area of drug theory, and the implications of drug theory for drug policy. In the current anti-intellectual climate towards how we speak and how we are supposed to think about 'drugs' this book is a bold as it is original. His other work isn't bad, either!